Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Spring is budding once again, and I anticipate the fresh buds of flowers, fresh grass and new leaves on the trees. An assumption I made recently was that everyone looks forward to spring. However, an allergy sufferer in my presence groaned and declared the long months of sneezing, wheezing, stuffy head, nose and sinuses he got to look forward to, as well as the daily dose of allergy meds he takes just to keep him going. There are options! You don't have to sniffle your way through spring! In addition to the many different allergy treatments Valeo has to offer; I have a variety of techniques to open those sinus cavities, drain the head of excess pressure and buildup of toxins, release the nose and throat resulting in an easy spring for you. If you find yourself struggling with allergies or the annoying symptoms that go with allergies, don't spend another spring inside with your tissue box; schedule an appointment today for relief! ~Leah

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

When you think of the word essential, most of us think that without you would die. When it comes to using the word essential in the nutritional world, it does mean that but there is more to it. The word essential in nutrition also means your body can't make it or convert it from something else. For example Vitamin C is an essential vitamin. Without Vitamin C you get Scurvy. However, vitamin C is not an essential vitamin for a tiger. Without vitamin C a tiger will get scurvy as well but they can eat meat and convert it to Vitamin C.

Omega 3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids for humans. The only way you can get them is by eating them. The best source is is cold water oily fish such as salmon, cod, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines. Other sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are free range grass fed beef, eggs, dairy from grass fed beef, green lipped mussels, krill oil and some plant seeds such as flax oil. The problem with the plant seeds is that the omga 3 fatty acid is mostly ALA instead of the more beneficial DHA and EPA that is in the others.

The amount of omega 3 fatty acids a person needs each day is about 1000 mg or 1 gram. This really is not much. Most servings of the fish listed will give you about 250- 1000mg, Salmon being the highest. The other non fish sources will give you about half that at best. The problem arises that most people are not eating these foods on a daily basis or even weekly.

Research shows that omega 3 fatty acids help with cardiovascular function, neurological function, and joint health. These three areas of health are very common areas of disease for many Americans. What we are finding out is that many people do not have a disease but are really malnurished.

The best way to get your omega 3 fatty acids is to eat them but if that is not enough, which for most of us it is not, then the next best step is to take a supplement. This goes for baby's, children, and for adults.

Another problem can arise from this and that is what is the best fish oil out there. There is a lot of different companies selling them. They have many different sources, amounts, processing methods, and costs. Which is the best? I would recommend staying away from the cheaper versions. They are cheaper for a reason, they are of poor quality. Some of the best brands out there are Standard Process, Nordic Naturals, Nature's Bounty, Nature Made, Sears and Green Pasture's. All of which will run you about $25-$35/month.

In my opinion Green Pasture is the best for adults. It is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids. Because it uses cod as it's source, it is also high in vitamin A and D. It also contains a butter oil which has great health benefits. To learn more go to http://www.greenpasture.org/public/Home/index.cfm

Putting the right fuel into our cars is essential. The same is true for our bodies. God designed our bodies and the food to support it. Going without that food is not an option as you can see with so many Americans getting sick. Many of our problems are do to malnutrition. If you are not already taking an omega 3 fatty acid, start nourishing your body today!